Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ about the TRIL Programme

What is the objective of the programme? The objective of the programme is to promote, through direct contacts and side-by-side high-level research, collaborations between the Italian scientific community and individuals, groups and institutions in developing countries.

Who may apply for a TRIL fellowship? Young talented scientists from a developing country who have already acquired a certain degree of research experience, with published papers to their credit may apply. Special attention will be given to female candidates and to applicants from least developed countries (LDCs). Applications from senior scientists are also welcome.

Does the programme financially support candidates from developing countries? Yes. Please note however that a limited number of fellowships are fully funded by the TRIL Programme. The expectation is that the hosting laboratory will jointly fund a fellowship. As the demand for financial aid always exceeds the available funds, applicants are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their local sources to contribute towards their travel expenses.

Can a former TRIL fellow reapply? Yes. Former TRIL fellows may apply again, only if the total length of the previous award (plus any extensions) did not exceed 24 months. Should the previous award exceed this limit, an application will be considered after a 24-month break.

How do I apply? Applicants should complete an application form. Applications and supporting documentation will only be considered if submitted via the ICTP online application system. Before filling in the TRIL online application form, applicants should thoroughly read the sections relating to the Requirements, Conditions and Selection process for TRIL fellowships.

What are the eligibility requirements? Applicants must be a national of an eligible country; be in possession of at least a university Master's Degree; be proficient in reading and writing English; and reside in a developing country at the time of selection.

Can I apply for a fellowship to enrol in a Ph.D. programme? This could only be done under a specific collaboration agreement with a Doctorate School, with an Italian research group or laboratory. Please note however, that the TRIL programme is addressed to scientists who are already active in a specific research field.

If I am currently in a Ph.D. programme, am I eligible for a TRIL fellowship to conduct some experiments in an Italian laboratory? A TRIL fellow is not suppose to use the host laboratory to perform his/her own research plan. A Ph.D. student can however be selected to join an Italian research group and collaborate on a previously agreed research topic.

Am I eligible for a fellowship if I have just finished my Ph.D. and am not a permanent member of an institute? Yes. If you are residing in an eligible country at the time of selection, you may apply.

Do I also need to submit a hardcopy of the application form and documentation by surface mail? No. Applications and supporting documentation are accepted only via the ICTP online application system. Applications, supporting documents and additional information arriving by other means (such as email or regular post) will not be considered.

Is it possible to log out of the form and come back to it later to edit it? Yes. If the applicant cannot answer all the required questions, it is possible to save a draft application and return to it at a later time to complete it. It is also possible to make changes or additions at any time both to the form itself and to the attachments. Applicants are encouraged to always keep the information in the online application up-to-date.

Is there any specific deadline to submit an application? No. There is no specific deadline for submitting an application. Applications will be kept on the system for a maximum of two years and evaluated in the event that fellowships become available.

What is the application process? All applications are examined by the TRIL Scientific Coordinator to ensure that they are complete and meet the requirements. All eligible applications are then sent to the related Fellowship Committee or Laboratory for further consideration and final decision.

Will you inform me of the result of my application? No. Applicants should check the status of their online application. Only successful applicants will be contacted by the TRIL Secretariat. The TRIL Secretariat does not respond to individual requests for selection information. An application will be kept on the system for a maximum of two years, and then it will automatically be cancelled by the system.

Is it possible to reapply if I have not been selected? Yes. There is no limit to the number of times an application may apply. However, the recommendation letters and evaluation report will also have to be resubmitted each time.

Who should write my letters of recommendation? Two recommendation letters are required from individuals who are knowledgeable of the work of the applicant. The applicant will enter the names and email addresses of the referees in the relevant page of the online application. Once the applicant has entered the information and saved it, the system will automatically send a notification email to the referees. The email will inform them that you are applying for a TRIL fellowship and provide them with a link to the login page. The referees must log in to the system to submit their recommendation letter and access the online evaluation form. In the summary of the application form, the applicant will be able to monitor the submission of the recommendation letters and evaluation forms.

Do the referee reports have to be in the system when I submit my application? No. Once you have entered the names and email addresses of the referees in the relevant page of the application form and saved it, the system will automatically send a notification email to the referees. The email will inform them that you are applying for a TRIL fellowship and request them to submit a recommendation letter and complete the online evaluation report. The email will provide the referee with a link to the login page.

How are the fellows selected? The selection is done jointly with the Italian laboratory, and is based on scientific merit in addition to matching of the candidate's expertise to the research lines pursued in the laboratory. In addition to the merit criteria and the interest of the host laboratory, other factors such as geographical diversity, gender balance and availability of funds are also taken into consideration. Priority attention will be given to applications from females and from least developed countries. A period of 6 to 12 months is usually necessary between the submission of the application and the date of selection. Further details are available under the Seletion process section.

How long does the application process take? A period of 6 to 12 months is usually necessary between the submission of the application and the date of selection.

How many fellowships are awarded each year? There is not a set number for the fellowships that can be awarded. The number of fellowships awarded each year is determined by the availability of funds for the programme.

How will successful candidates know that they have been selected? An award letter will be issued from the ICTP to successful candidates. The letter contains information concerning the laboratory assigned, financial, travel and reporting conditions, as well as some pre-arrival information and obligations that fall upon the fellow during the tenure. After the result being announced to the fellow, access to electronic documentation in the Fellowship area become available with the same login credentials that were used when applying.

What is the duration of a fellowship? Fellowships range in length from a few months to one year, depending on the host laboratory, the research/training activity and the budget available. The host laboratory determines the length of the fellowship.

Can the TRIL fellowship be extended? Yes. Fellowships may be extended for an additional period (usually for not more than 12 months at a time), depending on the success of the research/training of the fellow and available funds. The maximum duration of a fellowship is 24 months. This includes the original fellowship period and extensions.

What does the TRIL fellowship provide for? Fellows receive a monthly grant in Euro to cover their living costs such as lodging, meals, local travel and incidentals, through the fellowship period.

Do I have to find a suitable laboratory where to conduct my research activity? No. The TRIL Secretariat will submit all eligible applications to the related Fellowship Committee or Laboratory for consideration and final decision. Previous contacts with an Italian Laboratory can however enhance the possibilities of being selected.

Should I have an acceptance letter from an Italian laboratory before making the application? No. It is not necessary to have an acceptance letter from an Italian laboratory. However, previous contacts with an Italian Laboratory can enhance the possibilities of being selected.